Display apparatus



Jan. 8, 1929.

R. M. CRAIG DISPLAY APPARATUS Original Filed Dec. 29, 1925 I 4 Sheets-Sheet l Jan. 8, 1929.

R. M. CRAIG DISPLAY APPARATUS Original Filed Dec. 29. 1925 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 R. M. CRAIG -DI SPLAY APPARATUS Jan. 8, 1929.

Original Filed Dec. 29, 1925 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 l g T l t J Snow M01 Jan. 8, 1929. 1,698,224

R. M. CRAIG DISPLAY APPARATUS Original Filed Dec. 29, 1925 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Patented Jan. 8, 1929.

V UNITED STATES PATENT "OFFICE,

DISPLAY APPARATUS.

Application fiIed DecemberQS,1925, Serial No. 78,249. Renewed Ma 4, 1928.

This invention r lates to a novelmethod of and apparatus for 'displayingthe efiect of motion, animation, or changein position of representations of animate and inanimate objects, through the application of the principles of color absorption and persistence of vision, for advertising, signaling, amusement, and various other purposes. v

In various other co-pending applications, I have disclosed means for displaying or portraying the efiect of motion, animation, or change in position or appearance of representations of animate and inanimate objects, upon a display surface by depicting the representations in pigment colors upon a display surface and then producing the desired display effect by illuminating the surface under light rays of contrasting'colors so selected as to periodically absorbthe pigment colors in a predetermined manner. In this manner, I have been enabled to produce the effects refered to, butthe apparent change takes place in the plane of the display surface; and while thi sis very desirable under the conditions at- 1 tending the use of the methods and apparatuses forming the subject matter of the said co-pending applications, the present invention has as its general object to provide'a novel method of and apparatus for producing an entirely different effect, namely, the appearance of motion of the represented object in a direction other than transversely of the display surface. More specifically, the invention contemplates a method of and apparatus for displaying the effect of change in different distance positions of the represented object with respect to the observer.

The invention'has for one of its objects to. provide means whereby advertising matter may be displayed in such a manner as to very forcibly impress the matter upon the mind of the observer by a mystifying and startlingly sudden presentationof the subject matter of the advertising displayin the substantially immediate presence of the observer after he has viewed the general subject matter of the advertising display from a distance. highway. havetheir value as advertising mediums, they hold little attraction for the observer when displayed in the ordinary manner, that is to say when the matter there on is displayed under white light rays. In

my said co-pending applications, decided. de-

partures from the commonplace signboard are disclosed, and the present lnventlon conl/Vhile signboards arranged along atemplates a further carrying out of the p rin- ,v

ciples embodied therein, in a manner to produce results which will immediately attract and hold the attention of the observer by reason of the startling changes which occur in the operation of the apparatus. In another embodiment of the principles 0 crossings, road intersections, curves, detours, and other points in the exare required. stop signals, even when prominently disthe present invention, the object in View is to provide a safety signahng means for railroad dangerous I played, do not at all times influence motorists to slaclren their speed or observing'other precautions to avoid accidents. Therefore, the present invention contemplates, in this respect, the provision of means whereby the necessity for taking precautions may be so forcibly impressed upon travelers upon a highway that none will be disinclined to heed Y i the warning. In this connection, the inven-v tion also contemplatcssuch adaptations of the principles of the invention to a warning sig-,

nal that the signal may be utilized to great advantage, by dealers in automobiles and ac-. cessories, for advertisingpurposes. Inthe accompanying drawings: .Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating one application of the principles of the present invention to a novel advertising display,

the view illustrating means whereby one display effect may be QlTtELlIlGCl,

Figure 2 1s a view similar to Figure 1, illustrating means whereby a different effect may 1 i be obtained.

Figure 3 the application of the principles of the invention to an advertising display and disclosing is a perspective view illustrating means whereby theeffect of intermittent or substantially continuous motion may be portrayed. s s

Figure 4 is a perspective view illustrating theapplication of the principles of theinvention to a warning signal.

Figure 1 of the drawings exemplifies the application of the principles of the invention to a roadside advertising display and in-this figure, the numeral '1 indicates in general a signboard or other display surface which is supported in an upright position at some distance from the side of the roadway inclicated by the reference letter R, as for example twenty to forty feet, and which. is nearly parallel tothe line of extent of the roadway v but not quite so, in order that it may be read ily observed by one traveling along the roadway some moments before the observer reaches a point in the roadway opposite the said signboard. In the specific embodiment illustrated, the display surface of the board is painted white or some other light neutral color to provide a light neutral background indicated by the numeral 2, and by a light neutral color I mean one which is not materially changed under spectral light rays of a distinctive color and, therefore, does not possess the characteristics peculiar to primary pigment colors. Upon the background 2 and preferably near one end of the board, although some other location may be found suitable,there is represented, in red pigment, the image 3 of a man holding a tire in one hand as though to present the same, and having his other hand raised as though to halt the one toward Whom the tire is presented. In this particular instance, the image representation is, as stated, in red pigment, al-' though various combinations of colors at the red end of the spectrum may be employed, such for example as orange, magenta, pink,

etc., and such colors may be employed singly and referring either to the quality of the tires or to the particular brand or make, is portrayed upon the display surface beside the image representation 3, as indicated by the numeral 4, and for this purpose, in the present embodiment of the invention, a dark neutralpigment such for example as brown, is employed. The numeral 5 indicates sources of red light rays as for example, red light bulbs which are arranged at the top of the display surface, and the numeral 6 indicates blue light bulbs which are similarly arranged and both sets of bulbs are so positioned that when the bulbs 5 are lighted, the display surface will be flooded with red light rays throughout its entire area and, when the blue red light rays the image representation 3 will apparently be obliterated due to the fact that these spectral rays correspond in color to the color of the pigment or pigments in which the said image representation is portrayed and likewise due to the lack of con- Under this illumination the advertising mat-H ter .4 will, be visible in a rich brown color.

On the other hand, when the displa surface is illuminated by blue light rays, t e image representation 3 will appear substantially black against a substantially white background, and the advertising matter t will likewise appear very dark or substantially black against the light background. In one instance, therefore, both the image and the advertising matter representations are visible and in the other instance the advertising matter represented is visible and the image representation is totally obliterated.

The numeral 7 indicates a complementary display surface in the nature of a signboard which is positioned very close to the roadside andat substantially the same angle as the signboard 1. This board 7, orother display surface, has applied to it a pigment of a dark neutral color such for example as black, so as to provide a dark neutral background indicated by the numeral 8, and upon the surface there is represented, through the employment of a pigment redin color, the image 9 of a man assuming identically the posture assumed by the image represented at 3. A source of red light rays is provided in connection with a board 7 and referably comprises one or more red electric fight bulbs 10 arranged at the upper side of the said board in position to illuminate the'same when the bulb is lighted. When the bulb is lighted, the image representation 9 will appear a. brilliant white against a substantially black background, but, inasmuch as thedisplay is intended for operation during night hours,

the said image representation will ordinarily not be discernible at night and particularly is this true in view of the fact that it is represented upon a very dark neutral background.

In practice, the image representation 9 will be of dimensions actually less than the dimensions of the image representation 3 so that, due to perspective, or the distant loca' tion of the image representation 3, both image'representations, if they were viewed simultaneously, would appear of the same sizeor dimensions; 7

The invention contemplates instantaneous and simultaneous obliteration of the image representation 3, after it has been displayed for a period of time, and display of the image representation 9, so that, to the observer, the effect is that of a man j uinping from the point of location of the 'signboard 1 to a position immediately beside the roadway, and due to the relative arrangement of the signboards, the visual sensation is that of a man jumping directly at the observer who is'traveling along the roadway, thus producing a very mystifying and startling impression upon the observer. This eifect is, of course, proate contacts 14 and 15 mounted upon its face,

the flasher further including a rotary shaft 16 and a contact arm 17 rotated through the medium of the said shaft in a manner to sweep.-

successively over the contacts 14 and 15. A conductor wire 18 is led from one side of the source of current supply 11 to the shaft 16, or this side of the source of supply is electrically connected in any other suitable manner with the contact arm'17. A conductor wire 19 is led from the other side of the source of current supply and electrically connected with'onetei'minal of each of the sockets for theelectric light bulbs 5, 6 and 10, A conductor wire 20 is electrically connected with the contact 14 and with the other terminals of the sockets for the blue light bulbs (i. A

' V conductor wire 20 is electrically connected with the contact 15 and with the other terminals of the sockets for the red-light bulbs 5 and 10. In the operation of the iiasher 12, and as the contact arm 17 moves over the contact 1 1, the display surface of the signboard 1 will be flooded with blue light rays and the image representation 3 will stand out substantially black against a white background and the advertising matter 1 will likewise appear substantially black against a white background.

ble as it is not illuminated. Therefore, in this cycle of operation of the apparatus, the entire surface of the main signboard 1 will be displayed to view. At the next moment, the contact arm 17 will sweep over the contact 15 and the red light bulbs 5 and 10 will be lighted. At such-time, the image representation will be instantly obliterated inasmuch as it is represented in a red pigment, but the advertising matter will still be dis played to view, appearing substantially black against a white background. Coincident with the obliteration or disappearance of the image representation 3, the image representation 9 upon the surface of the complementary board 7 will be displayed to view appearing substantially white and very brilliant against the blackbackground 8, due to the il. .mination of the image representation by red light rays and the contrast between the ima e representation and the background which surrounds it.

be that of a man standing alone'in the pos- At such time, the comple-V mentary board 7 will be substantially llflVlSb' Inasmuch as the background is'subs'tantially black, the effect will ture disclosed in Figure 1, and heretofore dei scribed, and as previously explained, the illusion is that of the image representation 3 upon the main display surface jumping from its distant point of location with relation to the roadway, directly to a position beside the roadway; This startling effect will naturally immediately attract the attention of motorists traveling over the highway and tl'ierefore a deep and lasting impression will be made upon the mind of the observer to thesubjec't matter of the display. In another portion of the description which is to follow, the application of the principles of the invention to apparatus for displaying a warning signal will be exemplified, but at this point it will be understood that subject matter such as to give warningof the presence of road conditions which warrant cautious driving, may be substitutedv for the advertising matter. That is to say, the general scheme of depicting the subject matter. in pigment colors and displaying the same under complementary spectral light rays as disclosedin Fig 1 ure 1, may be followed in displaying other sorts of matter, the principles involvedbeing in no way limited to advertising displays.

Figure 2 of the drawings illustrates an-application of the principles of the invention which in some respects is very similar to the application illustrated in Figurel, and in said Figure 2, the numeral 21 indicates in general a main display surface which may be in the form of a signboard which is ar ranged some distance from the roadway R, and has any suitable light neutral pigment appliedv to its surface so as to provide a light neutral background indicated byythe numeral 22 and corresponding to the background 2 of the main display surface of the previously described embodiment of the in- VOIltlOII. The numeral 28 indicates an image representation which is depicted in red pigment and corresponds to the image representation 3, and the numeral 24 indicates advertising or other matter which is repre sented in a pigment of some dark neutral color such for example as brown, Indian red, tobacco brown, etc. Red light bulbs 25 are arranged at the upper side of the display surface, and white light bulbs 26 are similarly arranged, the arrangement of the bulbs be ing such that the display surface may be flooded with red light rays or with white, light rays under conditions to be presently explained. I The auxiliary display surface is indicated in general by the" numeral 27'and, as in the case of the corresponding display surface 7 of the previously described embodiment, is

positioned close to the side of the roadway heretofore referred to, andis thusprovided with a light .neutral background 28, upon I having contact strips 34 and 35 upon its face arranged concentric to a shaft 36 upon which there is fixed a contact arm 37 corresponding to the contact arm 17 of the first described embodiment and this arm is designed'to sweep over the contact strips 34 and in the rotation of the said shaft. Aconductor wire 38 is led from one side of the source of current supply 31 and electrically connected with the shaft 36 or the contact arm 37. A similar conductor wire 39 is led from the other side of the source of current supply and is connected to one terminal of each socket for the red light bulbs 25, the white light bulbs 26 and the white light bulb 30. A conductor wire 40 is electrically connected with the contact strip 34 and is connected to the other terminals of the sockets for the white light bulbs 26, and a conductor wire 41 is led from the contact strip 35 and is connected with the other terminals forthe red light bulbs 25 and the white light bulb 30.

In the operation of the flasher, and as the contact arm 37 sweeps over the contact strip 34, current will be supplied to the white light bulbs 26 and the display surface 21 will, therefore, be illuminated or flooded with white light rays, thus displaying the image representation 23 in the color in which it is.

depicted, namely red, and likewise displaying the matter 24 in its respective color, namely, brown, both representations appearing upon a white background. At such time the white bulb 30 will not be lighted and, inasmuch as the display is operated, through the medium of the flasher, only during night hours, the display surface 27 will be practically unnoticeable. As the contact arm 37 leaves the contact strip 34 and passes onto the contact strip 35, the white light bulbs 26 will be extinguished and the red light bulbs 25 and the white light bulb 30 will be instantly simultaneously lighted. Inasmuch as the image representation 23 is depicted in red and the display surface 21 is at this time flooded with red light rays, the said representation will be completely obliterated and,

on the other hand, inasmuch as the image representation 29 is depicted in red and displayed under white light rays, it will be clearly visible to an observer. Consequently the effect is that of the image representation 23 jumping instantly from the main display surface 21 to the roadside. Under both conditions of illumination, the matter 24, being represented in a dark neutral color on a light background, will be visible. The image rep, reseutations 23 and 29 will be relatively proportioned as regards their dimensions as in the previously described embodiment, and, therefore, while the two representations, in the drawings, appear of substantially the same dimensions, in practicrgthe represen-' would be of a corresponding spectral color.-

Also, it will be understood that as'in the previously described embodiment. of the. invention, the principles above exemplified might be adapted to displays other than advertising displays and adapted, for example to a signal display.

In the adaptations of the invention dis closed in Figures 1 and 2, a single motion is, portrayed, namely that of an image instantly changing its position from a point remote from to a point immediately at the roadway, but in Figure 3 of the drawings, the. principles of the invention are illustrated as adapted to a display in which more'than two changes in position take place. In this figure, the numeral 42 indicates in general a main display surface which may constitute a signboard such as the main display surface previously described, and to the surface of this board there is applied a pigment of any light neutral color to provide a light neutralbackground indicated by the numeral 43. Upon the display surface there is depicted, in a pigment ofa distinctive color, such for example as red, an image representation 44 which may be of the same character as the image representations 3 and 23 of the previously described embodiments. Advertising or other matter 45 is likewise represented upon the dis play surface, but in this instance, this matter will be portrayed in a distinctive pigment color rather than in a neutral color as for example, green, and contrasting with the pigment color in which the image representation 44 is portrayed. The numerals 46, 47 and 48 indicate in general, complementary surfaces which are in the nature of smaller signboards arranged in planes parallel to that occupied by the board 42 and spaced with relation to each other and to the said board 42 an equal distance, the board 46 being located next to the board 42, the board 48 being located immediately beside the roadto that in which the image representation 44 is depicted, in this instance, red. The numeral indicates red light bulbs arranged atthe upper side of the main display board 42 and the numeral 56 indicates white light bulbs likewise arranged at the upper side of the display surface so that the surface may be flooded with red light rays through the medium of the bulbs 55 and with white light rays through the medium of the bulbs 56. White light bulbs 57, 58 and 59 are arranged.

respectively above the display surfaces 46, 47 and 48 so that these surfaces may be flooded with white light rays.

The numeral 60 indicates an automatic flasher of substantially the same type as previously described and comprising a disc 61 of insulating material upon the face of which are arranged contact strips 62, 68, 64, 65 and 66. The shaft of the flasher is indicated by the numeral 67 and the contact arm carried thereby is indicated by thenumeral 68. The numeral 69 indicate a source of current supply, and a conductor wire 70 is led from one side of the sourceof supply and electrically connected with the shaft 67 or contact arm 68. A conductor wire 71 is led from the other side of the source of current supply and is connected with one terminal of the sockets for all of the bulbs above referred to.

In the operation of the flasher 60 and as the contact arm 68 moves over the contact strip 62, the circuit will be closed through the white light bulbs 56 and the display surface 42 will be flooded with white light rays, thus displaying the image representation 44 in red against a white background andsimultaneously displaying the matter 45 in green against a White background; At this time, the display surfaces 46, 47 and 48 are substantially invisible and particularly in View of the fact that their backgrounds are black or of some other dark neutral color. As the contact arm 68 leaves the strip 62 and sweeps over the strip 63, the white lights 56 will be extinguished and the red lights 55 will be lighted. It will be observed that the contact the contact strips 64, 65 and-66. Therefore, as the arm 68 rides into contact with the strip 63, it will likewise simultaneously contact the strip 64 and the white light 57 will be lighted, thus illuminating the display surface 46 with white light rays. When the red lights 55are flashed on,'as just explained, the display surface 42 will be flooded with red light rays and, therefore, the image representation 44, being in red, will be totally obliterated and ing in green and, therefore, of a color contrasting with and complementary to the color of the spectral light rays, will appear substantially black against the white background 43 of the said display surface 42. At the instant the image 44 is obliterated, the image representation 52 will be, as stated, flooded with white light rays from the light bulbs 57 and this image representation will, therefore, appear a brilliant red against a black or other dark neutral background 49 and the observer will apparently see the image representation 44 jump from the display surface 42 to the position occupied by the display surface-46. this point, it is to be noted thatinasmuch as the background of the display surface 46 is black or of some other dark neutral color, it, in itself, will be substantially invisible under the white light rays, particularly. in view of the brilliancy with which the image representation 52 will be displayed to view,run-

der such illumination. In the continued movement of the contact arm 68, it will next sweep over the contact strip 65, thus extinguishing the lights 57 and closing the circuit through the bulbs 58 to flood the display surface 47 with white light rays and, ina fur ther movement of the said'arm, it will sweep over the'contact strip 66, thus extinguishing the bulbs 58 and closing the circuit-through the white light bulbs 59 to flood the display surface 48 with white light rays. In the meantime, the arm 68 is continually'in contact with the strip 63 so that the red lights 55 remain burning and, therefore, the matter 45 is constantly displayed to the view of the observer. However, as the contact arm 68 r0- tates the visual effect produced will be that of the man holding the tire, constituting the image representation, jumping from the display surface 42 and by leaps, over the. ground surface until he reaches the position occupied by the display surface 48, where he will appear directly at the roadside. By properly timing the flasher, in accordance with the law of persistence of vision, it will be evident that i very startling effects can be obtained, due to the number of position changes whichtake lace.

scribed, pigment colors other'than redma'y, of course, be employed, it being preferable, however, to select pigments which have adistinctive color and, of course, the color :in

becomes invisible, whereas the matter 45, be-

p In the embodiment of the invention just dei which the matter is represented, will be distinctive and will contrast with the. color 111 which the image representations 44, 52, 53

and 54 are displayed. It will be understood,

thereto may find embodiment in a signaling displayor displays of various natures and for various purposes other than advertising or signaling.

In the foregoing description, reference has been made to the application of the principles of the invention to a signal display, and suchapplication isexemplified in Figure 4 of the drawings. In this figure the numeral 7 2 indicates the main display surface, which, as in former embodiments, is preferably in the nature of a signboazrd, and to a portion of the area of this surface there is applied a dark neutral pigment to provide a dark neutral background area 1 73, a light neutral pigment being applied to the remaining portion of the area of the surface to provide a light neutral background area indicated by the numeral 74. lVithin the area 74 there is represented, in some distinctive pigment color such for example as green, an oncoming automobile, the representation being indicated by the numeral 75. For a purpose to be presently explained, the signboard 7 2 is formed with circular openings, and arranged within each'of these openings is a pane or sheet of glass or any other suitable light ray transmitting material indicated by the nunleral 76, which is in representation of one of the headlight lenses of an automobile, the pane or other light ray transmitting medium 76 being positioned in proper relation to the illustrated parts of the representation 75 to correspond with the location of the headlights upon an automobile. Preferably, a circular band of pigment is applied to the background area 74 encircling each light ray transmitting pane or other medium 76 and this :band is in a dark neutralpigment, as indicated by the numeral 77. A white light bulb 78 is positioned behind each light ray transmitting pane 76, and red lightbulbs 7 9 are arranged preferably at the top of the display surface and directly above the representation 75. A warning word such for example as Stop indicated by the numeral 80, is represented in a pigment of a distinctive color such for example as red, within the bounds of the background area 7 3 and at one side of the representation 7 5, the letters comprising the word being preferably of a relatively large size and of a bold and distinct type soas to render the word readily discernible. White light bulbs 81 are arranged at the top of the display surface and directly above the dark neutral background area 7 3 so that this portion of the display surface may be flooded with white light'ray's, and in order to prevent stray white light rays reaching the background area 74, the bulbs 81 are preferably shielded as indicated by the numeral 82. The numerals 83, 84 and indicate respectively display surfaces which are arranged in spaced relation to each other, and with the surface 83 correspondingly spaced with relation to the display surface 72. These complementary display surfaces have the same outline as the image representation 75 so that each is of an outline simulating the front of an oncoming automobile, as viewed from the roadside which is indicated by the reference letter R. In other words, whereas in the previously described embodiments of the invention, the complementary display surfaces are in the form of substantially'rec tangular signboards, the display surfaces 83, 84 and 85 are each in the nature of a display board which bears the outline stated. The display boards 83, 84 and 85 are arranged parallel to the board 7 2 and are disposed at a slight angle to the line of extent of the roadway as are the boards of the previousy described forms of the invention. Likewise, the main display surface 72 is located at some distance from the roadside whereas the display board 85 is located substantially directly at the roadside.

, Circular panes or sheets of glass or other light ray transmitting material, red in color, indicated by the numerals 86, 87 and 88, are

mounted in openings formed in the boards 83, 84 and 85 and each is preferably surrounded by a rim representation 89 preferor any other suitable distinctive pigment color, which color is in contrast with thered of the light ray transmitting pane 86. It will now be evident that in the illustrated embodiment of the invention there arefour distinct representations of an oncoming automobile, each representation including, in its structure, a pair of headlight representations embodying red lenses or light ray transmit ting representations thereof. White or red light bulbs, 90, 91 and 92 are arranged respectively behind the panes 86, 87 and 88, and one or more white light bulbs 93, 94 and 95 are arranged respectively above the display boards 83, 84 and 85, so that the surface of each board may, under conditions to be presently explained, be flooded with White light rays. 7

The numeral 96 indicates an automatic flasher which may be of the simple type herellt face concentric to the shaft of the flasher which is indicated by the numeral 102 and which carries a contact arm indicated by the numeral 103. The numeral 104 indicates a source of current supply, and a conductor wire 105 leads from one side of this source of supply and is connected by branch wires with one terminal of each socket for each of the light'bulbs abovereferre d to, this'wire constituting a common return from all of the light bulb sockets. A conductor wire 106 leads from the other side of the source of current supply and is connected electrically with the shaft 102. A conductor wire 107 likewise leads from this last mentioned side of the source of current supply and is connected with the other terminals of the sockets for the white light bulbs 81, so that these bulbs, in the operation of'the apparatus, burn continuously and, therefore continuously illuminate the background area 7 3 and continuously display to view the word of caution which is represented upon said background. A conductor wirel08 leads from the contact strip 98 and is connected with the other terininal of socket for each red light bulb 79 and likewise with the other terminal ofthe socket for each of the white light bulbs 78. A conductor wire 109 leads from the contact strip 99 and is connected to the other terminal of the sockets for the white light bulbs 93 and the other terminal of each socket for the white light bulbs 90. A conductor wire 110 is led from the contact strip 100 and is connected with the other terminal of thesocln et for each of the whitelight bulbs 94: and likewise to the otherterminal of the socket for each of the white light bulbs 91, and a conduct-or wirelll is led from the contact strip 101 and is connected to the other terminals of the sockets for the white light bulbs 85 and to the other terminal of each socket for the white light bulbs 92. i V

In the operation of the flasher and as the contact arm 103 sweeps over the contact strip 98, the circuit will be closed through the red light bulbs 7 9 and simultaneously through the white light bulbs 78. Therefore, the image representation will, be flooded with red li ght rays and will, therefore, appear substantially black against the light neutral background 7 4:, and the rays from the white light bulbs 78 will be transmitted throughthe red light ray transmitting mediums 76. Consequently, a motorist approaching the display will apparently observe an automobile traveling toward him with glaring red headlights, the image representation 75 appearing sub stantially black against the white background area 74. He will likewise observe the representation 80 which, as previously stated, constitutes warning word and which representation will appear abrilliant red against a black background under the'white light illumination. At this time, the boards'83, 84

as well as the lights 90, so that the automobile 1 representation or display board 83 will be flooded. with white light and present the appearance of a green automobile traveling head-on toward the observer, the rays from the white light bulbs passing through the red light ray transmitting panes 86 sothat apparently the automobile is equipped with glaring red headlights. Inasmuch as the representation 77 or" the rim of a headlight casing upon the display surface 72 is of a dark neutral color, it will appear substantially black under the red light ray illumination and, therefore, the headlight representation will be sharply defined This is likewise truein the instance of the rim representations 89 which are depicted in dark neutral pigment surrounding the light ray transmitting mediums 86, 87 and 88. Ofcourse, when. the contact arm 103 leaves the contact strip 98, the red lights 7 9 are instantly extinguished as well as the white lights 78 and, therefore, the image representation 75 becomes invisible or is, in other words, instantly obliterated. However, inasmuch as the bulbs 81 are directly in circuit with the source of current supply, they willburn-continuously and the motorist will always observe the word Stop or any other warning which is displayed upon the background area 73. As soonas the contact arm leaves the contact strip 99 and passes onto the contact strip 100, the White lights 93 and 90' will be extinguished and the light bulbs 94 and 91 will be suppliedwith current so that the automobile representation at will beilluminated with white light rays and become clearly visible and the headlightrepresentations comprising a part thereof will furnish a warning as in the instance of the headlight ting mediums 88 being directed onto the road-v way. i

It will be evident from the foregoing that immediately following the display of the representation 75, the representations 83, 8a and 85 are rapidly successively displayed to the view of the observer and, by properly timing the flasher 96, and through persistence of vision, the motorist, as heapproaches the display, apparently observes an automobile traveling l1.eadon toward him from the side of the roadway and he is, therefore, forcibly reminded of the necessity for driving with care until the curve or other point of danger has been passed. WVhile this embodiment of the invention is primarily intended as a means for warning motorists of points of danger in a stretch of roadway, it may, at the same time, constitute an advertising medium, in which event, any suitable advertising matter may be painted or otherwise displayed upon the background area 73; i

Having thus described the invention, what I claim is:

1. Means for displc ying the effect of change in distance position of the same represented object comprising display mediums distantly disposed with respect to each other and each bearing pigment representation of the object, and light ray sources for successively, simultaneously obliterating one of the representations and displaying the other. 2. Means for displaying the effect of change in distance position of a represented obiec comprising relatively spaced display mediums each bearing a pigment representation of the object, and means for successively, individually displaying the mediums under light rays possessing color characteristics such as to effect obliteration of one representation simultaneously with display of the other representation.

Means for displaying the effect of change in distance position of a represented object comprising a main display surface and V a. complementary display surface spaced with relation thereto, the main display surface hearing a representation of the object in a pigment color and also bearing other matter to be displayed, a complementary display surface bearing a representation of the object in a pigment color, and means for displaying the main display surface under light rays of a color to display all of the matter thereon and immediately subsequently simultaneously displayingboth surfaces under light rays of a color to effect obliteration of the object representation and display of said other matter upon the display surface and simultaneous display of the object representation upon the complementary display surface.

l. Means for displaying the effect of change in distance position of a repesented object comprisinga main display surface and a plurality of complementary display surfaces independently arranged and distantly spaced with relation to one another and with relation to the main display surface in the general direction in which they are presented for display, each surface bearing a representation of the object to be displayed, and means fo successively illuminating the surfaces in the order in which they are arranged beginning with the said main display surface.

5'. Means fo1 displaying the effect of change in distance position of a represented object comprising a main display surface and a plurality of complementary display surfaces, the said surfaces being independently arranged and distantly spaced with relation to one another and with relation to the main display surface in the general direction in which they are presented for display, each surface bearing representation of the object to be displayed, and means for first illuminating the object representation upon the main display surface to display the same, and then obliterating the said object representation and immediately successively illumii'iating the complementary display surcach to the exclusion of the others and in the order in which they are arranged, beginning with the onenext adjacent the main display surface.

6. .Means for displayingthe effect of change in distance position of a represented object and for also displaying 'a warning, comprising display surfaces spaced with relation to one'another in the general direction in which they are presented for display, and each hearing a representation of the object to be dis played, a light ray transmitting medium associated with each display surface, and means for successively displaying each of said object representations by reflected light and its respective light ray transmitting medium by transmittedlight, to the exclusion of the other object representation and its respective light ray transmitting medium.

7. Means for displaying the effect of change in distance position of it represented object and for also displaying a warning,

comprising display surfaces spaced with relation to one another in the general direc tion in which they are presented for display and each bearing a representation of the object to be displayed, in a distinctive pigment color, a colored light ray transmitting medium associated with each display surface,-and means for successively displaying each of said object representations under light rays of a spectral color to render the object representation visible, and simultaneously displaying its respective light ray transmitting medium by transmitted light, to the exclusion of the display of the other object representation and its respective light ray transmitting medium.

8. Means for displaying the effect of change in distance position of a represented object and for also displaying a warning, comprising a main display surface and a complementary display surface spaced with rela tion thereto in the general direction in which the surfaces are presented for display, the

mentary display surface likewise bearing a pigment representation of th6'0b]60b to be dlsplayed, and means for first displaying the inain display surface under light rays "of a spectral color to render the object representation visible and likewise under light rays of a color to render the Warning visible, and then effect. obliteration of the said object representation upon the main display surface and simultaneously effect display of the ob ject representation upon the complementary surface simultaneously with continuous display of the warning upon the main display surface.

9. Means for displaying the effect. of change in distance position of a represented object and for also displaying a warning,

, comprising a main display surface and a complementary display surface spaced with relation thereto in the general direction in which the surfaces are presented for display, the

said main display surface bearing a representation, in pigment color, of the object to be displayed, and likewise bearing, also in a pigment color, a warning, the complementary display surface likewise bearing a pigment representation of the object to be displayed, means for first displaying the main display surface under light rays of' a spectral color to render the object representation visible and likewise under light rays of a color to render the warning visible, and then effect obliteration of the said object representation upon the main display surface and simultaneously effect display of the object rep resentation upon the complementary surface simultaneously with continuous display. of the warning upon the main display surface, a light ray transmitting medium associated with each display surface as a part of the object representation thereon, and means for displaying said light ray transmitting mediray transmitting area representative of the headlights of the vehicle, sources of light rays arranged in position to illuminate each of said surfaces, other sources of illumination arranged to illuminate the light ray transmitting headlight representations of each display surface, and means for successively energizing the light ray sources associated with each display surface whereby, due to the alternate display and obliteration of the surfaces, and the persistence of vision, the effect of apparent motion of the represented motor vehicle and its headlight representations will be produced.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature.

RIOHARDVM. CRAIG. 1,. 8. 

